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Labour insists Swindon's road issues need addressing

MORE needs to be done to tackle existing problems on our roads, according to the Labour Group.

The claim comes following the announcement that more than £500,000 is to be spent on feasibility studies into infrastructure projects linked to the Eastern Villages development. Labour wants similar plans carried out into schemes such as a possible Thamesdown Road extension.

But council leaders have said it would be a waste of money at this stage as funds are not in place to progress with any work so alternatives are being investigated.

Coun Mark Dempsey (Lab, Walcot and Park North), the North Swindon Parliamentary Candidate, said while the work in the east of Swindon was good, he wanted a wider project.

He said: “I welcome plans for new infrastructure to the East of Swindon.

“However road users in North Swindon know that roads such as Cricklade Road, Akers Way and Mead Way are gridlocked day in day out.

“The Thamesdown Drive extension road and improvements to Moonrakers Junction are key to the future of our town.”

He added: “The Labour Group has identified the necessary funding for detailed plans to build this road and would ensure Swindon has shovel ready projects to capitalise on future government funding.

“This would help provide the new investment Swindon needs and ensure we can build a better future for our town.”

Coun Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan), the lead member for transport, believes Labour’s plan is not viable.

He said: “The Thamesdown drive extension to Barnfield is a new road that all political parties, community groups and residents would like to see happen.

“But the political parties do disagree on how to achieve this.

“The only suggestion from the Labour party is to spend £600,000 on consultants to design the road, so the plans sit in a cupboard.

“I disagree, and during my first meeting as Cabinet Member for Transport challenged for a different approach.”

Maybe if you spent a little more than the 10% you take from the motorist in tax to own and use their vehicles to put back into the roads as you do now instead of using it to prop up other areas of the economy you have mismanaged we would have the world class road network we actually pay for!

Maybe if you spent a little more than the 10% you take from the motorist in tax to own and use their vehicles to put back into the roads as you do now instead of using it to prop up other areas of the economy you have mismanaged we would have the world class road network we actually pay for!house on the hill

None of the parties politicians are remotely interested in roads, they still seem to think everything will be solved by the electorate choosing to use buses - despite all the available evidence from the last several decades clearly indicating otherwise.

None of the parties politicians are remotely interested in roads, they still seem to think everything will be solved by the electorate choosing to use buses - despite all the available evidence from the last several decades clearly indicating otherwise.Sandor Clegane

Politicians spouting garbage and trying to score points, instead of sorting out the mess.

Coun Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan), the lead member for transport, believes Labour’s plan is not viable.
Whilst simultaneously welcoming developments that increase the strain on Swindons' current infrastructure

Politicians spouting garbage and trying to score points, instead of sorting out the mess.
Coun Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan), the lead member for transport, believes Labour’s plan is not viable.
Whilst simultaneously welcoming developments that increase the strain on Swindons' current infrastructureOllie Dognacky

Concerned of Wiltshire wrote:
I wouldn't take a bus in Swindon again because people throw bricks at them (see other article). How long before someone is killed? What are the police doing about this?

Don't be ridiculous.

[quote][p][bold]Concerned of Wiltshire[/bold] wrote:
I wouldn't take a bus in Swindon again because people throw bricks at them (see other article). How long before someone is killed? What are the police doing about this?[/p][/quote]Don't be ridiculous.SAVE_UK_MANUFACTURING